Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and best friend, Arthur Estavillo, left this earth peacefully on early January 3, 2016, after a long, hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Art was born on November 13, 1939 in Safford, Arizona, to Gilbert Albert Estavillo and Rosa Ruiz Estavillo, both who are now deceased. His only brother, Ross Estavillo, is also deceased.
Art attended grade school in Phoenix and attended high school at both Salpointe High in Tucson and at Safford High School in Safford. He graduated from Safford High School in 1958. Art was active in many sports but, ultimately loved football and baseball. He spent many years passing his love for the game on to his children.
Art served in the Vietnam era as a soldier in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, and learned a love of service to this country that he passed on and encouraged his children to follow.
Art was a lifelong member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He served with the Knight of Columbus for several years and took pride in serving as the Grand Knight for many years. He held a special place in his heart for his Catholic faith and never gave up hope that he would receive a miracle cure for his disease.
Art owned and operated Art’s Barber Shop for 51 years before being forced into retirement by his disease. He was dedicated to his business and operated his shop with loyalty, honesty and integrity. He loved his customers and often said he would work till he was 100 years of age if God was willing to help him get there.
He made many acquaintances and friends along the way and enjoyed lending a “good ear” as he was a counselor, campaign manager, friend, banker and sometimes even a father to those in need. When some of his clients got older, he traveled his services to them at home often on his days off. He enjoyed hearing their advice and providing them a warm shave that made them feel human again.
Art loved being outdoors, and in his later years enjoyed traveling to Mexico with friends. He so enjoyed the peace of the ocean and his walks on the beach with his dog Dakota.
Art built his own home with a simple pair of shears. He spent many nights gazing from his porch into the warm sunset of the Graham Mountains.
Art was able to help each of his children receive an education thru hard work and dedication to his belief that education was very important.
Art met the love of his life and mother of his children, Sylvia Vizcarra Estavillo and was married to her for 55 amazing years. He was the best husband, friend and love she could have ever asked for. He will remain forever in her heart and will be forever missed.
His wisdom, dedication to work, integrity and honesty is his legacy.
Art leaves behind: his wife, Sylvia Estavillo; two sons, Art Estavillo and Brian Estavillo (Susan); a daughter, Lisa Estavillo Holder (Michael); his beloved grandchildren, Adam Christopher Estavillo (Nina Buss), Christina Estavillo, Raven Katia Linden, Taryn Arianna Estavillo and Tessa Abigail Estavillo. His biggest smiles were reserved for them, treasuring them above all.
Farewell to all his special friends. Thank you for your kindness and allowing his privacy during his illness. You were always on his mind and in his memories.
To all that loved Art we are eternally grateful and you will never be forgotten.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Estavillo was celebrated Tuesday morning, January 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church by Rev. Robert Rodriguez. Committal followed in the Safford Cemetery.
A Prayer Vigil and Rosary was prayed Monday evening, January 9, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church by Adam and Nina Estavillo.
The family received friends Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
